Have learned that Jay Howard of Dallas Slot Cars just passed away. I have no further info at this time.
Jay Howard, 1962-2026
Started by
Cheater
, Jan 25 2026 03:54 PM
8 replies to this topic
#1
Cheater
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Posted 25 January 2026 - 03:54 PM
Gregory Wells
Never forget that first place goes to the racer with the MOST laps, not the racer with the FASTEST lap
#2
MSwiss
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Posted 25 January 2026 - 06:59 PM
How sad to hear.
What a great guy..
May Jay / "El Kabong" rest in peace.
Mike Swiss
Inventor of the Low CG guide flag 4/20/18
Former IRRA® Components Committee Chairman
Five-time USRA National Champion (two G7, one G27, two G7 Senior)
Two-time G7 World Champion (1988, 1990), eight G7 main appearances
Eight-time G7 King track single lap world record holder
17B West Ogden Ave., Westmont, IL 60559, (708) 203-8003, mikeswiss86@hotmail.com (also my PayPal address)
Note: Send all USPS packages and mail to: 692 Citadel Drive, Westmont, Illinois 60559
#3
Roy Lievanos
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Posted 25 January 2026 - 11:12 PM
Very sad news. I met Jay and his wife last year. Very friendly and courteous owner. Treated Alice and I like we were regulars.
RIP, my friend.
2025 Western States Can Am TQ + Overall Champion
2024 Western States TMO Champion
2023 Barnburner OMB TQ (2.17 Red) 2022 Western States HB12 Champion
2021 NASRA OMB National Champion, 2021 NASRA OMB National Lap World Record
2017 USRA Div 1 Nats “F” class National Champion, 2017 Western States "Retro Hawk F class" Champion
Thank you, John and Dee Hale - Santa Ana Raceway circa 1962
#4
Tex
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Posted 26 January 2026 - 10:08 AM
RIP, Jay...
Save a spot at the driver's panel up there for me...
Richard L. Hofer
Remember, two wrongs don't make a right... but three lefts do! Only you're a block over and a block behind.
Remember, two wrongs don't make a right... but three lefts do! Only you're a block over and a block behind.
#5
Uncle Fred
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Posted 27 January 2026 - 12:00 PM
Very sad news indeed...
I had many great discussions about cars, music and, Hannah. He lit up when talked about Hannah! Lots of smiles....
Fred Correnti
#6
Jay Guard
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Posted 27 January 2026 - 12:15 PM
I didn't know him that well but I did talk to him a few times when I lived in Texas. He had a huge knowledge of vintage slot cars and was an interesting guy to talk to, too.
Gone way too soon and another loss to our all too small community. RIP, Jay H.
- MSwiss, Uncle Fred and NSwanberg like this
Jay Guard
IRRA Board of Directors (2022-Present),
Gator Region Retro Racing Director (2021-2025)
SERRA Co-Director (2009-2013)
IRRA BoD advisor (2007-2010)
Team Slick 7 member (1998-2001)
Way too serious Retro racer
#7
Shruska55
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Posted 28 January 2026 - 10:25 AM
Jay and Dallas Slot Cars were featured on an episode of "Auction Hunters" in 2012. His vintage car collection was extensive...
RIP, Jay.
- Dennis David, Tex, Uncle Fred and 1 other like this
Scott Hruska
East Texas
East Texas
#8
Cheater
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Posted 07 February 2026 - 10:36 AM
Here is Jay's obituary:
"James 'Jay' Rendon Howard of Dallas, Texas, passed away, Sunday, January 25, 2026. He was born to Charles and Mellie Jo Rendon Howard, May 26, 1953, in Corsicana, Texas, and married Denise Shontel Peterson May 30, 1992, in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was a proud father of his daughter, Hannah Jean Howard.
Jay discovered slot car racing when he lived in Lake Charles, Louisiana,, and when he moved to Wichita Falls, Texas, his passion for them really began. He spent every weekend at the track, developing life-long friends and a love of racing, community, and fun.
Jay moved to Hurst, Texas, his senior year of high school, and it was those little slot cars again that made moving just a bit easier. He was lucky to turn his passion into a career and into a family that sustained him for the rest of his life.
A loving husband, father, and brother, James “Slot Man” Howard found true happiness in bringing joy to others, and he did so with great conversation, unending love and the best hugs his daughter, Hannah, could ask for.
So, whether you knew him as James, as Jay, or as Papa, you knew one of the most caring and genuine people around.
Jay is survived by his wife, Shontel and daughter Hannah of Dallas, Texas; brother-in-law, Lance Peterson and wife Lacy and their sons, Kevin and Jake of Dallas, Texas; sister, Marsha and husband Roger Marsh of Pilot Point and their sons, Caleb Marsh of Nashville, Tennessee, and Travis Marsh of Pilot Point, Texas; sister, Mindy and husband Morris Arnold of Cedar Hill, and niece, Robbi Horvath of Austin and nephew, Franklin Horvath of Dallas.
On-line condolences may be shared at www.slaymemorialfuneralcenter.com."
- Shruska55 likes this
Gregory Wells
Never forget that first place goes to the racer with the MOST laps, not the racer with the FASTEST lap
#9
MG Brown
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Posted 19 March 2026 - 11:06 AM
I will try to stop by DSC while I am in Frisco.
That's thirty minutes away. I'll be there in ten.
